Badger, I am so sorry your experience was like that!

I always stop, or at least ask if someone needs anything. (If they are on the cell I don't bother them. Either they've just stopped to make the call or they are calling back up, whichever, I don't interrupt their phone call.)

I've given out spare tubes, lent my pump, my tire levers, allen wrench, etc. Usually while I'm helping someone several other cyclists will call out "Got everything?" as they go by.

Women have complained to me that men are patronizing and belittling womankind if they offer help while a woman is working on a mechanical; but honestly I think offering help or tools is just the standard around here among all adult cyclists, male or female.